2008-08-01 Crawler Tractor Skidder Rolls on Side

Location:

Prince George

Date of Incident / Close Call:

2008-08-01

Company Name:

Coyote Transport Ltd.

Details of Incident / Close Call:

A worker was operating a Caterpillar D5 crawler tractor skidder. The skidder was pulling a drag across a 20% slope and the swing boom was extended over on the down side of the slope. The skidder hit a stump on the high side of the slope, causing the machine to tip over. The operator was unhurt due to wearing a seatbelt, and the machine was undamaged.

Learnings and Suggestions:

Crawler tractor skidder operators are reminded keep the drag behind the machine or to the high side of the slope, with the blade positioned close to the ground and to watch for and avoid stumps on the high side of the slope.

Operators are also reminded that is recommended that when skidding on slopes, the drag should be pulled perpendicular to the slope.

Operators are also reminded to wear their seatbelts, as incidents of this nature could lead to more severe outcomes if they are not used.